ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28 running shoe

ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28 running shoe review – opinion, price, comparison, who it’s for

What is it like to run in the ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28 running shoe?

Cushioning and midsole

The midsole of the ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28 running shoe is moderately high and softer than average, which on its own wouldn’t necessarily suggest high cushioning, but two features enhance it. On the one hand, the outsole of the Cumulus 28 is made from a thick, firmer EVA foam instead of the usual hard rubber; on the other hand, there is a dedicated gel layer in the heel to increase shock absorption, called Pure Gel.

Stability and ride

The midsole of the ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28 is made from a softer-than-average foam called FF Blast Max, but it is wider than average and not overly tall, which results in good stability. Stability is further enhanced by the thick, firmer EVA foam outsole. The midsole has an 8 mm drop, which can be considered average, making it suitable for both heel strikers and forefoot strikers. The midsole is rockered at both the forefoot and the heel, ensuring smooth transitions, but the rocker is neither aggressively high nor early, so it does not overly accelerate the transitions.

Upper and comfort

The upper of the ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28 running shoe is moderately thick, moderately padded, very comfortable, and more flexible than average. It fits true to size, is moderately wide, and because it is more flexible than average, it adapts well to wider feet. A wide version is also available.

Landing and traction

The ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28 running shoe features an 8 mm drop, which works well for both heel strikers and forefoot strikers, though heel strikers (the majority of runners) will find it more comfortable. The outsole is made from a firmer, rubber-infused EVA foam, complemented by a solid rubber layer. It is thicker and features deeper grooves, so its traction can be considered slightly better than average on both dry and wet surfaces.

Pace and responsiveness

The midsole of the ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28 running shoe is made from a dynamic foam called FlyteFoam Blast Max, which offers good energy return. The shoe is not heavy; its weight is average, so it has all the attributes needed for higher-intensity runs as well. It is not a top-speed racing shoe, and you won’t be setting personal bests in it, but you can run faster than average in it.

Long runs vs tempo vs daily training

The ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28 running shoe is a daily training workhorse, meaning it is versatile. It offers good cushioning, comfort, and flexibility, so it’s suitable for longer runs as well. It is not specifically a tempo shoe; within the brand there are more suitable daily trainers for faster sessions (Novablast 5, Megablast, Superblast 2, Sonicblast), but you can still pick up the pace for shorter segments in it.

Who is the ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28 running shoe recommended for – and who is it not?

The ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28 running shoe is recommended for both beginner and advanced runners. It’s a perfect choice as a first running shoe thanks to its comfort and versatility, but if you’re an experienced runner looking for a universal shoe to rack up the miles, it can also be a great option.

The ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28 running shoe is not recommended if you’re an advanced runner looking for a fast shoe suitable even for racing.

What changed compared to the previous version? ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28 running shoe vs Asics Gel-Cumulus 27.

The Asics Gel Cumulus 28 has changed significantly compared to the previous version, and as a result the shoe is also 6 grams lighter.

The upper material has been replaced with a new, more flexible upper featuring large ventilation holes. The lacing system has been redesigned: instead of the last two eyelets, the laces now run through two loops, allowing you to tighten them more securely and wrap the foot better. The tongue has become more flexible, resembling the Nimbus tongue. The heel pull tab found on the previous version has been removed from the heel collar.

The midsole is made from a new, softer, more dynamic foam. Instead of the previous FlyteFoam Blast+ foam, the Gel-Cumulus 28 uses the softer, lighter, slightly more responsive FlyteFoam Blast Max foam. The midsole is 1 mm taller and appears slightly wider.

The outsole still uses the FluidRide solution, but features more cutouts, making the new version lighter and more flexible than the Cumulus 27. The bigger change is that the new Cumulus 28 outsole now includes a solid rubber layer called AHAR LO in high-wear areas, improving both traction and durability.

ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28 running shoe alternatives – comparison

If you’re looking for a similar road, daily, neutral versatile running shoe like the ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28, the following may be suitable for you:

• the Brooks Ghost 17, which has a slightly lower and slightly firmer midsole, but is similarly versatile
• the Hoka Clifton 10, which has a higher midsole and is slightly heavier, but offers greater cushioning thanks to the higher stack
• the Adidas Supernova Rise 3, which is slightly heavier but has a more padded upper
• the Saucony Ride 18, which has a slightly lower and slightly firmer midsole, yet remains highly versatile

Is there a difference between the men’s and women’s ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28 running shoe?

According to official data, the women’s ASICS Gel-Cumulus is lighter (223 g) than the men’s version (259 g), but this may also be due to size differences, as ASICS typically lists the official weight for the women’s version in size 39.5 and for the men’s version in size 42.5. According to official information, the materials and drop are the same in both the women’s and men’s versions.

ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28 running shoe upper

The ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28 running shoe upper is made from a moderately thick, softer-than-average, flexible mesh material with good breathability. The upper is moderately padded, focusing primarily on comfort. It is moderately wide, but since it is more flexible than average, it offers extra room for runners with wider feet. The tongue is not thick and is flexible, providing an excellent, comfortable fit. The heel collar is padded and rigid, ensuring a secure lockdown.

ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28 running shoe midsole

The ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28 running shoe midsole is made entirely from ASICS FlyteFoam Blast Max foam, which is soft yet sufficiently resilient. The same foam is used in the Novablast 5, where the higher stack provides even more bounce, and it can also be found in the Asics GT-2000 14 with a similar but wider geometry. The midsole is wider than average, offering very good stability compared to other neutral running shoes. Since the outsole is not made of solid rubber, the shoe has good torsional flexibility and remains comfortable over longer distances. The ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28 midsole is versatile: suitable for longer runs, yet responsive enough for shorter, faster segments. As the name suggests, the Cumulus also features a Gel layer; in the heel area, directly under the foot, there is a

ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28 running shoe outsole

The ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28 running shoe outsole does not follow the traditional route. It is not made solely of rubber but from an EVA foam blended with rubber. ASICS calls this solution the FluidRide outsole. This EVA foam is firmer; besides forming the wear layer, it also contributes to the shoe’s stability and cushioning. A significant change is that, unlike the previous two versions, the Cumulus 28 FluidRide outsole has been complemented with a low-density rubber layer called AHAR® LO in high-wear areas, resulting in better traction on both dry and wet surfaces and improved durability. The outsole grooves remain deep, and the EVA foam is still much thicker than on a conventional outsole, meaning the new rubber layer does not replace but complements the well-known FluidRide outsole.